Cat Scent communication is sometimes referred to as ‘marking behavior’. Next to cat body language, cat scent communication is a primary method of communication for cats. Using scent, cats can tell from a distance if a cat entering their territory is familiar to them. It is also a way of leaving messages for other cats. […]
Communication
To correctly interpret Cat Talk, it is important to view the entire picture of Cat Communication including Cat Sounds, and Cat Body Language, and Cat Scent Communication behaviors.
This guide was designed to provide a quick overview of various emotions expressed in common cat communication behaviors.
FRIENDLY
- Ears - forward
- Whiskers - relaxed or forward
- Tail - erect
- Coat - smooth
- Sounds - may murmur
- Eyes - alert and relaxed
- May exhibit nose to nose touching or head bunting
FEARFUL
- Ears - flat and back
- Whiskers - back
- Tail - tucked or lashing
- Coat - may be raised along back and tail
- Sounds - may hiss, growl, or spit
- Eyes - pupils dilated
- Crouched body position
PLAYFUL
- Ears - forward
- Whiskers - forward
- Tail - varying positions
- Coat - smooth
- Sounds - may chirp or chatter
- Eyes - pupils dilated
- May make stalking movements
OFFENSIVE AGGRESSION
- Ears - back
- Whiskers - forward
- Tail - down
- Coat - raised along shoulders and tail
- Sounds - may growl and hiss
- Eyes - pupils constricted
- Facing forward with hind end raised (ready to pounce)
DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION
- Ears - flat
- Whiskers - back
- Tail - inverted 'U', low to ground, or up over back
- Coat - raised all over
- Sounds - hissing, growling, spitting, mouth open
- Eyes - pupils dilated
- May roll onto the back if no escape
SUBMISSIVE
- Ears - flat
- Whiskers - straight
- Tail - down and held close to the body
- Coat - smooth
- Sounds - usually quiet but may hiss or spit
- Eyes - pupils dilated and avoids eye contact
- Crouched low to the ground
Remember, this guide is only a generalization. Observe your cat's behaviors when they are together. Cat communication behaviors can vary from cat to cat. Some may exhibit all of the behaviors listed and some may exhibit only a few.
Especially learn the differences between friendly and unfriendly cat communication behaviors. It can mean the difference between a happy and an unhappy multiple cat household!
Cat Body Language – ‘Talk To The Tail!’
Understanding Cat Body Language is important when you live in a multiple cat household. Because a cat’s body language can be quite complex, it can take years to fully understand all of the subtleties. Fortunately, there are a few, very clear indicators of cat emotion that all cat owners can learn to easily understand and interpret. […]
Cat Communication – Let’s Play Charades!
Cat Communication is a subtle language of sight, sound, and scent. It is both simple and complex. The cat’s purr for example, usually means that she is happy and content but it can also mean that she is suffering or in pain. In a large, multiple-cat household, it is important, even vital, to recognize and […]
Cat Sounds – Have Conversations With Your Cats!
Cat Sounds are the unique vocalizations used by cats as a method of communication. Housecats in particular can develop quite an extensive vocabulary in order to communicate with their people. When living with a house full of cats, it is important to become familiar with cat sounds and the nuances of each cat’s vocabulary – […]
